Four Sunset Yoga Center Teachers Head to India for a Month of Study

Felicity Green once said, “Practice is more important than teaching.” Four Sunset Yoga Center teachers are headed to India for the month of August to take this advice to heart. All will be studying at the Ramani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune with the Iyengar family and other teachers. They all look forward to the unique opportunity of immersing themselves in the practice of yoga.

When asked to express their hopes and expectations of the trip, each had a different answer.

Barb Steif:

For this second trip to India, I plan to focus on the joy of practice for the sake of practice as well as improvement of certain asanas from the Intermediate teachers’ syllabus. I expect there will be time to integrate practice with reading the sutras. I also plan to visit with the Indian teachers who were in Portland for the convention. I will bring requested items to an orphanage and expect to see a different side of Indian society by visiting their residence and school. As I will be staying with friends, I know that sharing our learning will help to deepen the yoga experience. And I want to be open to the unexpected, which usually means meeting people and getting to know them. Last but not least, this will be my first experience of the monsoon: reminiscent of Portland in June, only warm!

I am trying to go to India with as few expectations as possible. I would like to remain open to whatever happens and enjoy and experience the culture. As for yoga, I would like to take in as much as possible, without pressure, to improve my personal practice and my teaching. I know that I will grow as a person.

Jen Shonk:

I am looking forward to the time that I get to focus on yoga and reviving my practice. I hope to not only develop a deeper understanding for my personal practice but also to absorb lessons I can bring back to my students and fellow teachers.

Nina Pileggi:

This will be my second trip to Pune. I hope to be less overwhelmed by the experience this time. I know my practice and understanding of yoga has changed in the last two years, and I look forward to the intensity and personal growth this trip will provide. Like Barb, I am excited to visit with the Indian teachers who came to Portland for the convention.

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